Team Peugeot-Hansen have demonstrated a successful rate of consistency during the 2016 FIA World Rallycross Championship so far, having take six consecutive podium finishes out of the eight rounds so far and they are looking for podium number seven in Spain this weekend.
The Franco-Swedish squad closed the points gap down to 19 in the Team Championship to rivals EKSRX at the World RX of France and they are looking to reduce that gap further at this weekend World RX of Spain, being held at the Barcelona Grand Prix circuit. With Sebastien Loeb taking a podium finish last time out in Loheac and Timmy Hansen showing more of his epic speed on French soil, this target set by the team can be achieved.
Team Principal Kenneth Hansen is optimistic that previous circuit knowledge can be put to good use this weekend:
“Last year, we managed to establish a strong rhythm at this track. There is more in the way of straights than at Lohéac, but the circuit should nonetheless suit us well. We came away from the last race with plenty of useful information, and we intend to take full advantage of that in Spain. Our objective is to fight at the front of the field and take points off our main competitor in the Teams’ standings.”
Loeb is hoping to gain more ground on his Championship rivals in Spain:
“I know the Barcelona circuit well, having tested there a lot in the past in both WTCC and PEUGEOT’s 908 endurance racer. I have also tried out Red Bull’s Formula 1 car there and a motorbike!
“That prior experience will be of limited value, however, since the layout of the rallycross track is evidently very different and only uses one section of the racing circuit – which is run in the opposite direction to usual! With an uphill start and a good level of grip, the engine is sure to play an important role. My aim is to beat my two closest rivals in the championship and score a lot of points for the team.”
Hansen is looking to repeat his podium finish from last years event:
“I reached the podium in Barcelona last year and was the highest-scoring driver over the course of the weekend. My goal is to finish inside the top three once more. The Barcelona circuit is a bit like Lohéac in terms of grip, albeit slower.
“The gravel section is important to get right and incorporates a big jump. Competing at such a prestigious venue is always enjoyable. The facilities are first-class, and I can’t wait to go racing there again and quickly battle back from my disappointment at Lohéac.”
Spain is also the venue of the penultimate round of the 2016 FIA European Rallycross Championship which sees Peugeot-Hansen Academy driver Kevin Hansen looking for his fourth Euro RX win of the season whilst team-mate Davy Jeanney will be in action in World RX.
